New Light Trail

New Light Trail is a mountain biking loop in North Carolina's Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land. The route covers about 7.3 miles and is rated moderate, with roughly 540 feet of total climbing over the full loop. Elevations stay modest, ranging from about 260 feet at the low point to about 390 feet at the top. The steepest pitch comes around the 3.5-mile mark, where the grade reaches about 12 percent. The loop is best ridden counterclockwise. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to ride. Typical averages from the nearby Falls Lake weather station put April highs around 71°F and October highs around 68°F, compared with July highs near 87°F. Dogs are not allowed on the trail. Hikers in the group can head to Duck Cove Trail, about 1.6 miles away, or to the Outer Loop and Inner Loop, both about 1.8 miles away. Paddlers can reach the Neuse River, about 7.6 miles from the trail.